Apply for other jobs or not?

Astaroth

Ok.... currently work for a large multinational company and fairly enjoy my job.

If you look at my seniority/ responsibilities then my pay is fairly low but if you look at my experience then my pay is very high (one of the divisional MDs has very much been helping my progression).

My employers have just paid for me to sit some professional qualification exams (no obligation on me to pay back etc) and so out of curiosity I had a quick look online to see how much more pay managers with the qualification get over those without. Needless to say I have seen several jobs which it would appear I meet their requirements (though they say little about "experience" needed) and are offering salaries of at least 50% more than my current role.

I dont have the worlds highest level of confidence and so not keen on simply applying to "see what happens" - plus I am not unhappy with my current role (though I am struggling to see what my next career move will be). Whilst I dont have confidence I am concerned that I am being arrogant in thinking that I meet their requirements, I know I have on paper the experience to do what they are asking but the "difference" is that I have done it all in 3 years of entering the field where as most people wont even have started getting the sort of experience I have until after 5-8 years experience. These particular jobs arent listing a length of experience but there are other similar ones listed which are saying a minimum of between 5 and 10 years experience.

Any thoughts anyone?

Cazzywazzywoo

I am in a simliar position.
I decided to make up a copy of my CV, selling all of my qualifications and I have started to send it out for jobs. Alright the jobs may be a little above my station ,so to speak, but if you don't try you won't know. I also enjoy my job like you do, so its not as though we are desperate for employment -so there is very little to lose.
If you do enjoy your job though it may be worth raising salary as part of your next performance review and see what they say.
With the new age disrimination rules employers have to be careful about rewarding staff for experience/age -so you may be able to challenge it on this basis too.

Hope this helps a bit
Cazzy